Kidney & liver

Creatinine

Clinical biomarkerRenal functionBloodµmol/L

A routine filtration marker used to estimate kidney function.

What it measures

Creatinine generated largely from muscle metabolism and cleared by the kidneys.

Why it matters

Core component of creatinine-based eGFR.

How to interpret it

Interpret with age, sex, muscle mass and trends.

Important limitations

Muscle mass and diet can affect values independently of kidney filtration.

Evidence status

Clinical biomarker

Established renal biomarker.

Research & guidance

Original papers, validation studies, reviews and clinical guidance connected to this measurement.

clinical guideline

KDIGO 2024 Clinical Practice Guideline for the Evaluation and Management of Chronic Kidney Disease

Kidney International · 2024

Creatinine is a core filtration marker used in creatinine-based eGFR; interpretation must account for non-GFR determinants such as muscle mass and use confirmatory filtration markers when appropriate.

For education and evidence exploration, not diagnosis or individualized medical advice.